Mathematics (AS & A Level) · May / June 2026 · Paper 42 · Question 3

55° 0.8 kg 0.5 kg B A Two particles, A and B, of masses 0.5 kg and 0.8 kg respectively are attached to the ends of a light inextensible string. The string passes over a small smooth pulley fixed at the end of a rough horizontal plane and to the top of a smooth inclined plane. Particle A is held on the horizontal plane, while B lies on the inclined plane, which makes an angle of 55° with the horizontal. The string is in the same vertical plane as a line of greatest slope of the inclined plane (see diagram). Particle A is released from rest with the string taut. Particle B moves 0.3 m down the inclined plane in 0.4 s.

Read automatically from the paper; the printed page above is exact.